Method and apparatus for temporarily and decoratively altering clothing

ABSTRACT

A garment assembly includes a garment and a temporary hemming element. The garment comprises at least one fold wherein a portion of the garment is folded back upon itself. The temporary hemming element comprises a pin having a distal end extending from a second side of an outer portion. The outer portion is located on the garment so that the pin extends through the fold until it penetrates completely through the fold. An inner portion of the temporary hemming element receives the distal end of the pin of the outer portion to create a temporary decorative hem. The temporary hemming element can have at least two pins to inhibit movement of the temporary hemming element.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/080,380, filed Mar. 15, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/012,640, filed Nov. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,865,751, and U.S. provisional application No. 60/248,015, filed onNov. 13, 2000, all of which are incorporated by reference herein andmade a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to temporarily and decoratively altering items,such as hems of clothing or other fabric articles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Clothing is generally mass produced in a variety of sizes. Most casualclothing can be purchased in a range of sizes, and requires noalteration. On the other hand, some formal clothing is manufactured tobe tailored when purchased to more accurately fit the purchaser. Forexample, slacks are made with very long legs so that purchasers ofdifferent heights having roughly the same waist size can purchase theslacks and have the leg length altered before wearing them. Thesealterations are effectively permanent because in order to have theslacks resized, the wearer must be return to the tailor, get remeasured,and if sufficient fabric is left (e.g., in a cuff), have the legs lengthaltered.

Although generally acceptable, this system of permanent alteration doesnot very well address the different contexts in which a pair of slacksare worn. For example, different styles of shoes may be worn thateffectively change the desired length of the slacks (i.e., high heelsmay require longer slack legs than flat shoes). In that case, the slacklegs are either made for heels (and therefore are too long for flatshoes), or they are made for flat shoes (and therefore too short forheels). Custom tailoring each pair of slacks for each pair of shoes,while possible, is not very economical.

Furthermore, clothing for children quickly gets outgrown as the childgets older. Thus, hemming, altering, or folding up sleeves, pant legs,etc., of children's clothing is often used since much of the timeclothing for children is purchased with “room to grow.” Moreover,children often like to fold or alter clothing for decorative purposes.However, folding or other altering may not always be visually pleasing,nor does it always provide the capability of holding the clothingsecurely in place.

Various devices are used in conjunction with clothing. For example, itis known to attach a safety pin to a piece of clothing to hold it up.However, such pins are not very attractive and can be difficult toattach if multiple folds or thick fabric is involved. Also, tie tacksare known, which serve primarily to hold a tie close to the shirt of thewearer. Of course, a wide variety of buttons and pins have been attachedto clothing for decoration or identification of the wearer, e.g.,decorative pins or nametags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a garment assembly comprises a garment having anelongated border. A decorative system is configured to alter theappearance and effective length of the garment. The decorative systemcomprises a plurality of elongated decorative elements and a pluralityof coupling elements. Each of the elongated decorative elements has afree end and a fixed end. Each coupling element is configured to supportthe decorative system. The coupling elements each comprise an outerportion, an inner portion, and a connecting portion extendingtherebetween. The plurality of coupling elements are adjacent theelongated border of the garment and spaced from each other. Theconnecting portions of the coupling elements support the fixed ends ofthe decorative elements and extend through the garment. The couplingelements temporarily secure the decorative system to only one side ofthe garment. When so secured, the free ends of the elongated decorativeelements extend past the elongated border.

In some embodiments, a method for temporarily decorating a garment isprovided. The method comprises positioning a decorative system on agarment having at least one edge. The decorative system has at least onecoupling element that supports the decorative system. The at least onecoupling element is temporarily coupled to the garment such that thedecorative system extends only along one side of the garment and belowthe at least one edge of the garment.

In some embodiments, a decorative system is provided for selectivelychanging the effective length of a garment having at least one elongatededge. The decorative system comprises a decorative element having anupper edge and a lower free edge. A plurality of piercing membersextends from the decorative element and are configured to be insertedthrough a garment without damaging the garment. Each of plurality ofclasping elements comprises a recess for receiving a correspondingpiercing member and a surface to engage the garment. When the decorativeelement is coupled to a garment, the lower edge of the decorativeelement extends past an elongated edge of the garment.

In some embodiments, a temporary decorative border for flexibly adorninga garment having a finished hem comprises a mounting portion and aplurality of elongated decorative elements. Each of the elongateddecorative elements has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed ends arecoupled to the mounting portion. The temporary decorative border furthercomprises a plurality of coupling elements. Each coupling elementcomprises a piercing member and a releasable clasping portion. Thepiercing member is configured to be inserted through the mountingportion and through a garment without visibly damaging the garment. Thereleasable clasping portion is configured to engage selectively thepiercing member. When the plurality coupling elements are placedadjacent an elongated edge of a garment, the free ends of the elongateddecorative elements extend past the finished hem of the garment,providing a temporary decorative border.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a garment assemblythat includes a garment and a temporary hemming element. The garment hasan extending portion that comprises at least one fold wherein a portionof the garment is folded back upon itself. The temporary hemming elementcomprises an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion ofthe temporary hemming element comprises a first, decorative side, asecond side opposite the first side, and a pin having a distal endextending from the second side. The outer portion is located on thegarment so that the pin extends through the fold until it penetratescompletely through the fold. The inner portion of the temporary hemmingelement comprises an aperture configured to temporarily secure thedistal end of the pin of the outer portion. It will be appreciated thatin another assembly the pin can extend from the inner portion to betemporarily secured to the outer portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method fortemporarily, decoratively altering a garment. A garment is provided. Atleast a portion of the garment is folded over upon itself to create afolded portion. The folded portion has an inward side facing the skin ofthe wearer and an outward side facing away from the skin of the wearer.At least one temporary hemming element is provided that comprises anouter portion and an inner portion. The outer portion comprises a first,decorative side, a second side opposite the first side, and a pin havinga distal end. The pin extends from the second side. The inner portioncomprises an aperture configured to temporarily secure the distal end ofthe pin of the outer portion. The distal end of the pin of the outerportion is pushed through the folded portion so that the distal end ofthe pin extends through the folded portion until it penetratescompletely through the folded portion. The inner portion is attached tothe outer portion so that the distal end of the pin of the outer portionextends through the aperture. This method is repeated for each of thetemporary hemming elements.

In another embodiment, a temporary hemming apparatus is provided foraltering the size of a garment having a folded-over portion. Thetemporary hemming apparatus comprises an outer portion configured toattach to an outer portion of the garment. The outer portion comprises afirst, decorative side, and a second side opposite the first sideconfigured to abut the folded-over portion of the garment. An innerportion comprises a first side configured to abut the folded-overportion of the garment, and a second side that is configured to resideproximate the wearer. The temporary hemming apparatus also comprises anelongate piercing member having a distal end. At least one of the innerportion and outer portion is configured to secure the distal end of theelongate piercing member.

These embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the inventionherein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present inventionwill become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention, certainpreferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the detailed description herein havingreference to the figures that follow, of which:

FIG. 1A is a pictorial representation of a garment assembly thatincludes a garment having at least one temporary hemming element appliedthereto.

FIG. 1B is a pictorial representation of another garment assembly thatalso includes a garment having at least one temporary hemming elementapplied thereto.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section plane 2-2 shownin FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a temporary hemmingelement.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporaryhemming element.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporaryhemming element.

FIG. 5A is a top view of one embodiment of an inner portion, or bar,with internal structure to secure the outer portion of a temporaryhemming element.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporaryhemming element.

FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of an inner portion, or bar,with internal structure to secure the outer portion of a temporaryhemming element.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a temporary hemming element with a pairof fixation structures.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of garment assembly having aplurality of temporary coupling elements applied thereto.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section plane 9-9 shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the garment assembly of FIG.8 as viewed from the interior of the garment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a decorative element that can be coupled to agarment.

FIG. 12 is another garment having a plurality of coupling elementsapplied thereto.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation of multi-piece garment assemblyhaving a plurality of temporary coupling elements applied thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A garment assembly is disclosed wherein a garment is temporarily anddecoratively hemmed, or altered. Many different types of garments can betemporarily and decoratively hemmed using the embodiments disclosedherein, e.g., a shirt (see FIG. 1A), or a pair of slacks or pants (seeFIG. 1B). Different embodiments of the apparatus and methods disclosedherein also could be applied to a skirt, a dress, shorts, and socks.Other garments could also be altered by the embodiments describedherein, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. As used herein,the term “garment” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense andis intended to include, without being limited to, clothing, clothingaccessories, and a variety of household items, such as curtains, drapes,bed linens, slipcovers, and shower curtains. Each of these garments canbe altered by the embodiments described herein. In addition, theembodiments disclosed herein could be used to secure two or more fabricobjects together, such as securing comforters to duvet covers.

As shown in FIG. 1A, one embodiment includes a garment 10. As may beseen, the garment 10 of FIG. 1A is preferably an article of clothing,more preferably a shirt having an extending portion 15. As shown, theextending porting 15 is a sleeve of the garment 10. The extendingportion 15 includes a fold, or a folded portion 25. The fold 25 is aportion of the garment 10 that is folded back upon itself at least onceif not more. This causes at least one length of garment overlap. Whenthe extending portion 15 of the garment 10 is formed with only onelength of garment overlap, a relatively slight alteration of the garmentlength is achieved. While the length of garment overlap of the foldedportion 25 is shown on the outside of the extending portion 15, oneskilled in the art will recognize that the folded portion 25 can also bepositioned on the inside of the garment, i.e., with the folded portion25 facing the skin of the wearer.

The apparatus and method disclosed herein advantageously permit morethan one length of overlap of the extending portion 15 of the garment10. By increasing the number of lengths of overlap, the garment assemblymay be more extensively and dramatically altered. This can enable thewearer of the garment to change a full-length sleeve to a three-quarterlength sleeve, or even to a short sleeve.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a garment 10 mayinclude more than one extending portion 15. For example, the garment 10of FIG. 1A has another extending portion 20 that may also have a foldedportion 25. Thus the shirt of FIG. 1A could be converted from a fulllength shirt to one that exposes a portion of the wearer's lower torso.

The embodiment of FIG. 1A also shows that a temporary alteration of thegarment 10 may be achieved using a plurality of temporary hemmingelements 30 attached to the folded portion 25. In one embodiment, a setof twelve temporary hemming elements 30 is used. The elements 30 therebysecure the folded portion 25 in the folded configuration, and thusmaintain the alteration as long as the elements 30 are affixed to thegarment 10. With twelve elements 30, even the widest pant leg, straightskirt, or A-line skirt can be pleasingly altered. As shown in FIGS.1A-1B, fewer than twelve elements 30 could be used. For some extendingportions, a single temporary hemming element 30 may be used. A wearermay only require a single hemming element 30 if the extending portion isrelatively small, such as a sleeve. Alternately, only a few elements 30may be used if the wearer prefers that the extending portion assume anarcuate or other desired shape.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the garment assembly disclosedherein. The garment 45 has an extending portion 50, which is a pant leg,and a folded portion 55. As in FIG. 1A, the temporary hemming elements30 are attached to the folded portion 55. The attachment of thetemporary hemming elements 30 to the garment 45 is shown in more detailby the cross section 2-2 of FIG. 1B and is discussed below in moredetail in connection with FIG. 2.

The elements 30 preferably have an outer portion 35 with a first,decorative side 40. The decorative side might have a stylized cat's facethat is white and that has pink ears. In addition, the decorative side40 might have a heart (shown in FIG. 1A), a star (shown in FIG. 1B), ora diamond. The decorative side 40 could be configured with otherdecorative figures as well. The decorative side 40 might have a symbolrepresenting affiliation with a group. For example, the decorative side40 could have a junior high or high school mascot, team name or schoolsymbol or name. Also, the side 40 could equally well be made with acollege or professional team mascot, or a college organization's name orsymbol. The decorative side 40 can pleasingly be made either to have agenerally flat surface or to have a contoured surface. In the flatconfiguration, the decorative side 40 can be generally more subdued, asmight be appropriate for a more formal setting. The contouredconfiguration of the decorative side 40 might better suit a strongerexpression of the wearer's individuality.

The outer portion 35 also has a second side 60 that is opposite thefirst side 40 (see FIG. 3). The outer portion has a pin 65 that has adistal end 70 and an end 75. The end 75 of the pin 65 is opposite thedistal end 70 and is connected to the second side 60 of the outerportion 35. Of course, the pin 65 may be connected to the second side 60of the outer portion 35 in many ways, as is known in the art. Forexample, the pin 65 and the outer portion 35 may be integrally made.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the various components of one of thetemporary hemming elements 30 and also shows an application of one ofthe elements 30 to the garment 45. As may be seen, the outer portion 35is located on the garment 45 so that the pin 65 extends through the fold55 until it penetrates completely through the fold 55. As shown in moredetail in connection with FIG. 2, the element 30 extends through thefolded portion 55, and is secured to it. The element 30 therebymaintains the folded portion 55 in the folded configuration, and thusmaintains the alteration of the garment 45 as long as the element 30 isaffixed to the garment 45. One advantage of the element 30 is that whenthe wearer wishes to remove the alteration of the garment 10 or 45maintained thereby, the element 30 may simply be removed and the foldedportion 25, 55 unfolded, returning the garment 10 or 45 to an unfoldedconfiguration.

As may be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the element 30 further comprises aninner portion 80 that has a garment-facing side 85 and a wearer-facingside 90. The inner portion 80 has a bore 95 that extends from anaperture 100 in the garment-facing side 85. In one embodiment, theaperture 100 and the bore 95 may together secure the pin 50 so that theinner portion 80 and outer portion 35 remain connected while the garment10 or 45 is temporarily altered. In another embodiment, the aperture 100may alone secure the inner portion 80 to the outer portion 35 tomaintain the temporary alteration of the garment 10 or 45. The innerportion 80 and the outer portion 35 are secured in one of a number ofways known in the art, including screw-in type and push-in type.

Although the temporary hemming element 30 has been described above ascomprising the pin 65 attached to the outer portion 35 and received inthe aperture 100 of the inner portion 80, it will be recognized by oneskilled in the art that the invention can be practiced with the pin 65mounted on the inner portion 80 and with the outer portion 35 having theaperture 100 to receive the pin 65. In addition, the temporary hemmingelement is not limited to being made with a pin, and other methods ofattaching an inner portion to an outer portion through a fold ofclothing or other material may also be used.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the temporary hemming element 105.The element 105 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-3.However, the inner portion 110 has a wearer-facing side 115 that has acompliant surface 120. The compliant surface is made of a material thatdoes not irritate the skin in those applications where wearer-facingside 115 of the temporary hemming element 105 is positioned proximatethe skin of the wearer. The compliant surface 120 may comprise anadditional material applied to the wearer-facing side 115, such as feltor another soft cloth-like material. The wearer facing side could alsobe a more rigid material, but one that is selected to be non-irritatingto the skin, such as Teflon. Alternately, the entire inner portion 110could be made of a compliant material, such as plastic. In anothervariation, the compliant surface 120 may comprise a smooth surfaceadvantageously configured to not snag underlying clothing. Such amaterial could be, for example, a plastic material, or a rubbermaterial.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element 125. Theelement 125 is similar to the element 105 shown in FIG. 4. However, theouter portion 130 has more than one pin 135. This, it will beappreciated that hemming elements may be elongate in shape. Each of thepins 135 preferably has a groove 140 proximate the distal end. Thesepins may be secured by a bar 145 having internal structure that claspsthe pins 135. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bar 145 comprises a first lateraledge 150 and a second lateral edge 155. The inside of the first andsecond lateral edges 150, 155 contact a corresponding lever 160. Thelever 160 comprises at least two apertures 165. The pins 135 of theelement 125 are secured by a wearer or user who presses against theopposite lateral sides 150, 155 of the bar 145. This causes theapertures 165 to open. Then the bar 145 and the pins 135 are positionedso that the pins 135 are within the apertures 165. The wearer or userthen releases the opposite lateral sides 150, 155 so that the apertures165 contract and secures the pins 135 at the grooves 140. This keepsnon-symmetrically shaped outer portions 130 in their properorientations. In another embodiment, the multi-pin arrangement shown inFIG. 5 can be secured by two separate pieces similar to the innerportion 80.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element 170. Theelement 170 is similar to the element 105 shown in FIG. 4. However, theouter portion 175 has more than one pin 180. Each of the pins 180 have anotched portion 185 with a latch receiving portion 190. The notchedportion could be semicircular, as in FIG. 6. These pins 180 may besecured by a bar 195 having internal structure that clasps the pins 180.As shown in FIG. 6A, the bar 195 comprises a first lateral side 200, asecond lateral side 205, a cavity 210, and a clasping device 215. Theclasping device 215 comprises a manipulable bar 220 and a pair ofelongate latches 225 that are slideable through the first lateral side200 and the second lateral side 205. The pins 180 of the element 195 aresecured by a wearer or user who locates the outer portion 175 and theinner portion, or bar 195, so that the pins 180 extend into the cavity210. The wearer or user then slides the latches 225 of the claspingdevice 215 into the cavity 210 and into the latch receiving portion 190of the notched portion 185 of the pin 180. The wearer or user thenslides the clasping device 215 until the latches 225 extend through thesecond lateral side 205. Once located in the latch receiving portion 190of the notched portion 185 of the pin 180, the clasping device 215secures the outer portion 175 to the bar 195. This keepsnon-symmetrically shaped outer portions 635 in their properorientations.

The embodiments disclosed herein have several advantages. For example,the temporary hemming elements 30, 105, 125, 170 make it possible tomaintain clothing length, e.g., the hem of pants, shirts, etc., at thecorrect length. As mentioned above, this can be particularly useful forchildren who are rapidly growing and for whom clothing is bought that isslightly larger than appropriate. This quick and temporary clothingadjustment is also particularly advantageous for people who wear avariety of shoes with their pants, for example, flat shoes or highheels.

Another advantage of the temporary hemming elements 30, 105, 125, 170 isthat they provide a decorative feature for clothing that is flexible inits application. One way in which they are flexible is that the user canpurchase one or more elements 30, 105, 125, 170 and use them asappropriate for more formal occasions or for casual occasions. Theelements 30, 105, 125, 170 are also flexible in that they can be appliedin other ways to clothing or household items. The elements could also beused to attach cuffs, lace, scarves, collars, hoods, decorative patches,nametags, etc., to clothing. In the home, the elements 30, 105, 125, 170can be used to attach ribbons, embroidery, tassels, trim, and otherdecorative elements to furnishings, curtains, etc. The elements 30, 105,125, 170 are also flexible in that they also can be used to fasten manyitems. For example, they can be used to fasten tiebacks to drapes and inlieu of or to replace buttons on clothing. Being decorative in nature,the elements 30, 105, 125, 170 can also be applied to variousaccessories to decorate them. For example, one or more of the elementscould be applied to a purse, a belt, or a backpack to decorate them. Theelements 30, 105, 125, 170 can also be used to decorate the home.

It will be appreciated that various methods may be used with theapparatus above. In particular, methods of temporarily and decorativelyaltering clothing can be practiced with the above apparatus. Also,decorative securement of one fabric object to another can be practiced.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element. Thehemming element 300 is configured to engage a garment and maintain adesired position. The illustrated hemming element 300 includes aplurality of fixation elements 302 that can engage the garment to limitor prevent movement of the hemming element 300 relative to the togarment. In another embodiment, a single fixation element 302 isprovided. As used herein, the term “fixation element” is a broad termand is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, without limitation, astructure configured to limit or prevent movement of an element (e.g., acoupling element, a hemming element, etc.) relative to a structureattached thereto. In some embodiments, the fixation element can compriseone or more of the following: anti-rotation structures, prongs,protrusions, adhesives, textured surfaces, spikes, or other surfacetreatments that can grip onto a surface.

When a garment is disposed between an outer portion 306 and an innerportion (not shown), an inner face 310 of the outer portion 306 can,e.g., abut the face the garment. The fixation elements 302 extend fromthe inner face 310 and can interact with the garment to limit sliding ofthe outer portion 306 along the surface of the garment. For example,when a pin 307 of the hemming element 300 extends through the materialof a garment, the fixation elements 302 can secure the outer portion 306to the garment, thereby inhibiting rotation of the outer portion 306about an axis 312 of the pin 307.

The illustrated outer portion 306 comprises a pair of fixation elements302 spaced from the pin 307. However, the outer portion 306 can have anysuitable number of fixation elements 302 depending on the design of thehemming element. A skilled artisan can select the configurations and thepositions of the fixation elements.

The illustrated fixation elements 302 are in the form of protrusionsthat extend outwardly from the inner face 310. When the hemming elements300 are attached to the garment, the fixation elements 302 can press thegarment against an inner portion or backing (e.g., a clasping element)to securely hold the hemming element 300 in place. In other embodiments,the fixation elements 302 can be configured to pierce and extendpartially or completely through the garment. The length of the fixationelements 302 can be selected to achieve the desired interaction with thegarment.

Any of the hemming elements and coupling elements described herein canbe modified with one or more fixation elements. A hemming element mayhave a preferred orientation based on its design. For example, it may bedesirable to have the heart shaped hemming element 35 of FIG. 1 in theillustrated upright position. The hemming elements or coupling elementsmay also have other designs, such as a flag, a depiction of a person'sface, symbol, cartoon character, graphic, or the like that can have apreferred orientation. The wearer can place the hemming element at aparticular location with a desired orientation, and fixation elementscan ensure that the element stays in the desired orientation.

FIG. 8 illustrates a garment system 358 comprising a garment 360 and adecorative system 368 attached thereto by one or more coupling elements374. As used herein, the term “coupling element” is a broad term and isused in its ordinary sense and is intended to include, without beinglimited to, a device that can be used to couple, either permanently ortemporarily, one or more items together. The terms “coupling element”and “hemming element” can be used interchangeably herein.

The decorative system 368 can be an aesthetically pleasing and stylishdecorative feature temporarily coupled to the garment 360, and mayinclude a plurality of coupling elements 374. The decorative system 368can be substituted with another decorative system to achieve a differentoverall appearance of the garment system 358. Any number of decorativesystems 368 can be attached to the garment 360. The illustrated garmentsystem 358 has pant legs having a decorative system 368 attachedthereto. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, eachof the decorative systems 368 extends from a corresponding border of apant leg to produce an eye-catching and stylish garment. The decorativesystem 368 can extend about a portion or along substantially the entireborder of the garment 360.

In various embodiments, the decorative systems can extend along anylength of an opening, such as an opening of a pant leg (illustrated),waist of a pair of pants, cuffs of a shirt or blouse, bottom opening ofa shirt or blouse, or other type of garment. It is contemplated that thedecorative system 368 can be attached at any position.

The coupling elements 374 can be similar to or different from thetemporary hemming elements described above. A plurality of couplingelements 374 positioned along the garment 360 can securely hold andsupport the decorative system 368. The number and position of thecoupling elements 374 can be selected based on the desired style andappearance of the garment system 358. The garment system 358 cancomprise at least one, two, three, four, or five coupling elements perfoot of the decorative system. The coupling elements can support thedecorative system. However, if the decorative element is flexible, morecoupling elements can be used. For example, the garment system 358 cancomprise at least six, seven, nine, twelve, fourteen, or sixteencoupling elements per foot of the decorative system, especially if thedecorative system is extremely flexible. The number of coupling elementscan be selected to limit or prevent sagging of the decorative system.The number of coupling elements used to affix the decorative systems toa garment can be selected based on the desired appearance and positionof the decorative system. In some embodiments, the garment system 358can comprise closely space coupling elements. For example, the garmentsystem 358 can comprise at least one, two, three, four, or five couplingelements per inch of the decorative system.

In some embodiments, the coupling elements 374 can be easily removedmanually. For example, if the wearer desires to remove or replace thedecorative system 368, the wearer can manually remove the couplingelements 374 to detach the decorative system 368 from the garment 360.Another decorative system can then be applied to the garment 360 byutilizing the same or different coupling elements. Various types ofdecorating systems can be temporarily attached to garment 360 byutilizing the coupling elements 374.

The coupling elements may or may not be suitable for washing with thegarment 360. In some embodiments, the decorative systems 368 may not besuitable for washing, e.g., in a washing machine. For example, thedecorative system may comprise beads, lace, silk, fabric, leather, othermaterials or combination of these materials that are often not suitablefor simultaneously washing with the garment 360. Advantageously, theillustrated decorative system 368 can be conveniently decoupled from thegarment 360 by unfastening and removing the coupling elements 374. Oncethe decorative system 368 is removed, the garment 360 can be washedalone and the decorative system 368 can be reattached to the cleanedgarment 360 by utilizing the coupling elements 374.

Another advantage of these systems is that the user is provided withflexibility in adorning the garment. For example, the decorative system368 can be easily removed in some embodiments, restoring the originalfinished hem or border of the garment. The coupling elements 374 can beconfigured to not visibly damage the garment 360 when affixed thereto.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the garment system 358 and thedecorative system 368 being held by at least one temporarily couplingelement 374. The coupling element 374 can comprise an outer portion 380that is coupled to an inner portion 382. The outer portion 380 faces theexterior of the garment 360 while the inner portion 382 faces theinterior of the garment 360. A connecting portion 390 of the outerportion 380 can extend through the garment 360 and is securely grippedby the inner portion 382.

The illustrated inner portion 382 is a clasping element that can beoperated to grip and release selectively the connecting portion 390. Theillustrated inner portion 382 includes a pair of handles or prongs 384that can be squeezed inwardly to decouple the inner portion 382 from theouter portion 380. When the handles 384 are released, the inner portion382 can be fixedly attached to the connecting portion 390.

The connecting portion 390 in some embodiments can be a pin that isintegrally formed with the outer portion 380, as described above. Toattach the decorative system 368 to the garment 360, the connectingportion 390 can be pushed through the garment 360 so that an end of theconnecting portion 390 extends to the interior of the garment. The innerportion 382 can then be slid over the end of the connecting portion 390and can be selectively attached thereto. The handles 384 can be actuatedto release the inner portion 382 from the connecting portion 390 toreposition or remove the inner portion 382.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the decorative system 368 can have anupper end 392 and a lower end 394. The lower end 394 preferablyterminates at a free edge end that hangs below the edge 396 of thegarment 360. Preferably a substantial portion of the decorative system368 extends past the edge 396 of the garment 360. The decorative system368 can be positioned on only one side of the garment 360 and can extendpast the edge 396 of the garment 360. As such, the lower end 394 of thedecorative system 368 can be spaced from the edge 396 of the garment360. The decorative system 368 can be easily applied to the garment bycoupling the upper end 392 to the garment. Additionally, the lower end394 of the decorative system 368 can swing freely when garment 360 isworn. The coupling elements 374 (FIG. 9) are preferably adjacent theedge 396 of the garment 360.

In some embodiments, the decorative systems can extend on both sides ofthe garment. For example, a decorative system can be folded about anedge of the garment, such that the decorative system can extend on bothsides of the garment. Such decorative systems can be used to adorn agarment without hemming the garment.

The decorative system 368 of FIG. 10 has a plurality of elongated,decorative elements 370 attached to a mounting portion 400. The mountingportion 400 can extend along the edge 396 of the garment 360 and can beconfigured to allow the connecting portion 390 of the coupling element374 to pass therethrough. The illustrated mounting portion 400 is in theform of an elongated strip or band that is connected to fixed ends 401of the decorative elements 370, although the mounting portion 400 canalso be a chain, elongated member (e.g., a wire, rope, string, etc.), orthe like. Any suitable attachment means can be used to couple the fixedends 401 of the decorative elements 370 to the mounting portion 400. Insome embodiments, attachment means include, but are not limited to,stitching, adhesives, hooks, clasping elements, coupling elements, andthe like.

The decorative element 370 can comprise the fixed end 401, a free end403, and a decorative feature 405 therebetween. The decorative features405 can be evenly spaced or unevenly spaced (not shown) along thedecorative elements 370. The decorative elements 370 can be spacedevenly or unevenly along at least a portion of the garment 360. In theillustrated embodiment, the decorative elements 370 are somewhatregularly spaced along the edge 396 of the garment 360. The fixed ends401 of the decorative elements 370 are attached to the mounting portion400. The decorative elements 370 can hang freely from the mountingportion 400 and can terminate at lower free ends 403. As such, movementof the wearer can cause the decorative elements 370 to swing freely. Thedecorative elements 370 are preferably sized so that they extend out ofthe opening of the garment by a distance of about 1 cm, 4 cm, 6 cm, 8cm, 10 cm, and ranges encompassing such lengths. In some embodiments,the decorative elements 370 extend below the edge 396 of the garment 360by a distance of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, and rangesencompassing such distances. The decorative elements 370 can adorn anedge of a garment without substantially changing the effective size ofthe garment. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 extendpast the edge 396 of the garment 360 by a distance of at least 3.5 cm, 5cm, 7 cm, 10 cm, and ranges encompassing such distances. Thesedecorative elements 370 can be employed to change the effective size ofthe garment.

The number and spacing of the decorative elements can be selected toachieve a desired overall appearance of the garment. For example, thedecorative system 368 can comprises at least one, two, three, four, orfive decorative elements per foot of the decorative system. Thedecorative elements can adorn the garment without effectively changingthe length of the garment. However, as the number of decorative elementsis increased, the decorative elements may provide a visually effectivelengthening of the garment. As used herein, the term “effectivelylengthen” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and isintended to include, without being limited to, changing the length of afabric having a finished hem. For example, the second garment portion486 of FIG. 13 can effectively lengthen the illustrated garment. In someembodiments, the decorative system 368 of FIG. 8 can comprise at leastsix, seven, nine, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, or twenty decorativeelements per foot of the decorative system. As such, the discretedecorative elements can effectively alter the length and, thus, theoverall appearance and size of the garment 360. The density of thediscrete decorative elements can be increased to ensure that the garmentis effectively lengthened. In some embodiments, a plurality ofdecorative elements per inch can be used to effectively lengthen afinish hem of a garment.

The decorative features 405 of the decorative elements 370 can eachcomprise one or more beads that are strung together on a chord (e.g., awire, rope, string, filament, etc.). The beads can be of any color andsize and may or may not match the color of the garment 360. In someembodiments, the decorative elements 370 can comprise one or more of thefollowing: strung beads, fringe, material (e.g., fabric such as lace andsilk), chains, tassels, ribbon, and the like. The decorative system 368can have decorative elements 370 that are similar to or different thaneach other. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 can form aregular or irregular repeating pattern depending on the desiredappearance of the garment.

In some embodiments, the decorative system 368 comprises a material thatis different from the material forming the garment 360. For example, thegarment 360 can comprise mostly cotton and the decorative system 368 cancomprise a synthetic material, such polyester. The decorative system canalso be a different color than the garment.

The decorative systems can be attached to the interior side or theexterior side of the garments. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS.8-10, the decorative system 368 is coupled to the interior side of thegarment 360. The decorative system can be dimensioned to extend belowthe edge 396 of the garment. Such decorative elements 370 can hang fromthe garment 360 so that the free ends 394 swing freely due to themovement of the wearer.

FIG. 11 illustrates a decorative system 420 that is configured to bemounted to a garment by a single coupling element. The illustrateddecorative system 420 comprises a decorative element 424 having a fixedend 422 in the form of a mounting portion. The mounting portion 422 canbe an aperture configured to receive a connecting portion of thecoupling element. The connecting portion of the coupling element can beinserted through the aperture of the mounting portion 422, such that thedecorative system 420 hangs freely from the coupling element.

The illustrated decorative element 424 comprises a plurality of strungbeads 426 that are spaced along the length of the decorative element424. A plurality of decorative systems 420 can be attached to a garment460 by a plurality of coupling elements (e.g., coupling elements 374),wherein each coupling element supports at least one decorative system420.

FIG. 12 illustrates a garment system 430 comprising a garment 431 (e.g.,a shirt or blouse) that comprises a plurality of decorative systems.Decorative systems 432 a, 432 b are attached to the right sleeve andleft sleeve, respectively. A decorative system 434 is coupled to a lowerend 440 of the garment 431. Each of the decorative systems is attachedto the garment 431 by at least one coupling element. In the illustratedembodiment, the decorative system 432 a is attached to right sleeve by aplurality of coupling elements 436 a adjacent the edge of the rightsleeve. Similarly, the decorative system 432 b is attached to the leftsleeve by a plurality of coupling element 436 b adjacent the edge of theleft sleeve.

The illustrated decorative system 434 is in the form of an elongatedstrip the extends below the lower end 440 of the garment 431. Thedecorative system 434 preferably extends past and hangs below the edgeof the garment 431. The height of the decorative system 434 can beincreased or decreased to increase or decrease the length of the exposedportion of the decorative system 434. The coupling elements 446 canpenetrate and extend through both the garment 431 and the decorativesystem 434 in the manner described above. The decorative elements 446can be positioned at any point between an upper edge 450 and a loweredge 452 of the decorative system 434.

It is contemplated that the decorative systems can be used incombination with a garment that has been hemmed. For example, adecorative system can be mounted to the hemmed garment illustrated inFIG. 2. A coupling element in the form of a hemming element can be usedto hem and adjust the length of a garment, while also temporarilyholding and securing a decorative system that may enhance the appearanceof the garment. Of course, the decorative system can be used to visuallychange the effective length of the garment.

The coupling elements can be used to attach a decorative system at anypoint along a garment. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a decorativesystem 460 that is attached to the garment 431 by a plurality ofcoupling elements 462. The decorative system 460 can circumscribe atleast a portion of the garment 431. The illustrated decorative system460 is in the form of a chain, although the decorative system 460 can beany of the other decorative systems disclosed herein. For example, thedecorative system 460 can be a belt or sash that is coupled to a garment(e.g., a pair of pants). Any number of decorative systems 460 can becoupled to the exterior or interior of the garment 431.

Various types of decorative elements, decorative systems, and couplingelements can be mixed and matched for various garment designs. When thewearer wants a different look, the wearer can remove decorative elementsor attach new decorative elements to the garment to achieve a differentoverall look. Advantageously, the decorative systems can in someembodiments be used to enhance the appearance of the garment withoutchanging the length of the supporting garment. That is, if the garmentfits the wearer, the coupling elements can be used to attach decorativesystems to the garment without changing the effective length of thegarment. However, if the size garment needs to be hemmed, the couplingelements can both be used to hem the garment and also to hold todecorative systems. If the garment needs to be lengthened, thedecorative system can be used to lengthen selectively the garment. Thus,the wearer has flexibility in changing the fit and appearance of anygarment.

The coupling elements can also be used to secure together one or morepieces of a garment. As shown in FIG. 13, a garment system 480 comprisesa plurality of coupling elements 482 that secure together a firstgarment portion 484 and a second garment portion 486. The illustratedgarment system 480 is in the form of a skirt; however, the garmentsystem 480 can be any other type of garment.

The lower portion 486 has an upper end 490 that is positioned within theinterior of the first portion 484. As such, the first portion 484overlays the upper end 490 of the lower portion 486. Each of thecoupling elements 482 extends through and secures together the firstportion 484 and the second portion 486. If the wearer desires to wear ashortened skirt, the coupling elements 482 can be removed to detach thesecond portion 486 from the first portion 484. The wearer can then wearonly the first portion 484 for a shortened skirt.

Alternatively, the second portion 486 can be substituted with adecorative system described above, or a different second portion. Forexample, if the wearer decides to change the style of the skirt, thewearer can substitute the second portion 486 with another second portionof a different style. In this manner, different configurations ofgarments can be achieved by switching and matching various designcomponents.

The coupling elements can also be used to couple together portions ofother types of clothing. For example, a pair of pants can havedetachable legs that are coupled to an upper pants portion by aplurality of coupling elements. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat the various coupling elements and garments can be employed.

The coupling elements can also be used in other applications. Forexample, coupling elements can be used to attach one or more decorativesystems to household items. The household items can be furniture (e.g.,sofas, chairs, etc.), lighting (e.g., light fixtures, lamps, etc.),bedding (e.g., bed linens, bed skirts), towels, tablecloths, and thelike. In some embodiments, the coupling elements are used to attach oneor more decorative systems to an edge of a furniture (e.g., a lampshade). The connection portion of the coupling elements can pierce andpenetrate a lamp shade and can extend through a decorative system tosecurely and temporarily affix the decorative system to the lamp shade.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

1. A garment assembly comprising: a garment having an elongated border;a decorative system configured to alter the appearance and effectivelength of the garment, the decorative system comprising: a plurality ofelongated decorative elements, each of the elongated decorative elementshaving a free end and a fixed end; and a plurality of coupling elements,each coupling element being configured to support the decorative system,the coupling elements each comprising an outer portion, an innerportion, and a connecting portion extending therebetween; wherein theplurality of coupling elements are adjacent the elongated border of thegarment and spaced from each other, the connecting portions of thecoupling elements support the fixed ends of the decorative elements andextend through the garment, the coupling elements temporarily secure thedecorative system to only one side of the garment such that the freeends of the elongated decorative elements extend past the elongatedborder.
 2. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the decorativesystem further comprises an elongated mounting portion, the fixed endsof the elongated decorative elements are coupled to the mountingportion, and the coupling elements extend through the mounting portion.3. The garment assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is astrip coupled to the fixed ends of the elongated decorative elements,the strip extends along the elongated border.
 4. The garment assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated decorative elements are spaced from eachother along the border of the garment.
 5. The garment assembly of claim1, wherein the decorative system extends along substantially the entirelength of the border of the garment.
 6. The garment assembly of claim 1,wherein at least one of the fixed end is positioned between the garmentand the outer portion or the inner portion of the corresponding couplingelement.
 7. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of theelongated decorative elements comprises a plurality of beads strung on achord.
 8. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the border of thegarment defines an opening of the garment.
 9. The garment assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated decorative elements hang freely when thegarment is being worn.
 10. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the coupling elements comprises a decorative face and atleast one fixation element configured to engage the garment.
 11. Amethod for temporarily decorating a garment, the method comprising:positioning a decorative system on a garment having at least one edge,the decorative system having at least one coupling element supportingthe decorative system; and temporarily coupling the at least onecoupling element to the garment such that the decorative system extendsonly along one side of the garment and below the at least one edge ofthe garment.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least onecoupling element comprises an inner portion, an outer portion, and aconnecting portion, wherein the decorative system is positioned betweenthe garment and one of the inner portion and the outer portion, and theconnecting portion extends through the garment and the decorativesystem.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the decorative systemcomprises a plurality of elongated decorative elements spaced from eachother, and the decorative elements are positioned along the at least oneedge of the garment.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at leastone coupling element is proximate the at least one edge of the garment.15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one coupling elementcomprises an outer portion, an inner portion, and a connecting portionhaving a distal end, at least one of the outer portion and the innerportion being configured to be temporarily secured to the distal end ofthe connecting portion.
 16. A temporary decorative border for flexiblyadorning a garment having a finished hem, the decorative bordercomprising: a mounting portion; a plurality of elongated decorativeelements, each of the elongated decorative elements having a free endand a fixed end, the fixed ends being coupled to the mounting portion;and a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element comprising apiercing member and a releasable clasping portion, the piercing memberconfigured to be inserted through the mounting portion and a garment,without visibly damaging the garment, the releasable clasping portionconfigured to engage selectively the piercing member; wherein when theplurality coupling elements are placed adjacent an elongated edge of agarment, the free ends of the elongated decorative elements extend pastthe finished hem of the garment, providing a temporary decorativeborder.
 17. The temporary decorative border of claim 16, wherein themounting portion is an elongated strip.
 18. The temporary decorativeborder of claim 16, wherein the temporary decorative border isconfigured to extend on only one side of a garment when the plurality ofcoupling elements temporarily affix the decorative border to thegarment.
 19. A decorative system for selectively changing the effectivelength of a garment having at least one elongated edge, the decorativesystem comprising: a decorative element having an upper edge and a lowerfree edge; a plurality of piercing members extending from the decorativeelement and configured to be inserted through a garment without damagingthe garment; and a plurality of clasping elements, each comprising arecess for receiving a corresponding piercing member and a surface toengage the garment; wherein when the decorative element is coupled to agarment, the lower edge of the decorative element extends past anelongated edge of the garment.
 20. The decorative system of claim 19,wherein the decorative element comprises a plurality of elongatedelements, each elongated element has a free end at the lower free edge,a fixed end at the upper edge, and a decorative feature extendingtherebetween.
 21. The decorative system of claim 19, wherein thedecorative element is positioned on only one side of a garment when thedecorative element is mounted to the garment.